Rhetoric Race and Religion
One of America’s most renowned pastors, scholars and thought leaders on preaching and worship has been appointed to the CTS faculty and will lead a new institute at CTS. Dr. Frank A. Thomas will lead the institute, itself part of the seminary’s new Center for Pastoral Excellence. He will also become the Nettie Sweeney and Hugh Th. Miller Professor of Homiletics.
Dr. Thomas joins Christian Theological Seminary from Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Memphis, Tenn. where he served as senior pastor for more than a decade. After 31 years of preaching, Dr. Thomas said he now feels called to help prepare the next generation of preachers and leaders. “At the heart of Christian preaching and worship is the rhetorical work of helping to bring the Gospel alive,” he said. “Christian communities that thrive into the future will do so, in part, because they are blessed with excellent, well-trained preachers. I am delighted to join CTS in this important work.”
According to Christian Theological Seminary President Dr. Matthew Myer Boulton, the institute will focus on preaching, worship, and sacred rhetoric. “Preaching and worship are the events through which most Christians experience and explore their faith,” Boulton said. “And in particular, African American traditions of Christian preaching and worship have made extraordinary, iconic contributions to American life. Dr. Thomas’ background and expertise will help root the institute’s work in that vibrant legacy, even as he helps us reach out to a wide range of other cultural traditions and constituencies.”
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